"Satou!"
"Hello, Ms Aaze."
I was nodding off when Aaze's joyful cry woke me back up. I was tired, completely and utterly exhausted after spending the night writing replies to the mountains of letters and invites I received. And those were just the ones from people who hold a rank that requires me to reply right away. My stomach drops just thinking about the Mount Letter still waiting for me back in the guest house.
In contrast, Satou and Aaze were all smiles, filled with joy, as they embraced until Arisa and the shrine maiden Lua pulled them apart. Aaze was still blushing when she realised Satou didn't come alone and greeted us.
"Nice to meet you all. I am Aialize, the high elf of Bolenan Forest. Any friend of Satou's is a friend of mine. Feel free to call me Aaze."
"""Understood. We shall call you Aaze."""
Nana's sisters nodded, their expressions as blank as ever.
"A high elf…? You're one of the legendary high elves?"
"Incredible."
"Tria is surprised, too."
Nana's three eldest sisters seemed familiar with high elves.
"I-it is an honour to meet you, great Holy Tree of Bolenan Forest. We are homunculi, designed by Lord Trazayuya, created by our former master, Lord Zen, and now servants of Master Satou. I am Number 1, now known as Adin. My sisters and I are eternally grateful for your compassion in allowing us to receive the teachings of the honourable elves."
The other sisters all stared at Adin.
"Ithnani, Adin is acting strange."
"Tria?"
The youngest sister, Huit, glanced questioningly at the second eldest, Ithnani, who promptly directed her to Tria.
"Tria is surprised, too, but it isn't strange. The learning apparatus taught Tria in World Knowledge III that Holy Trees are important figures who protect the world." The third sister, Tria, explained to the youngest sisters.
"Adin, bow." Ithnani quickly said.
"Of course. Please, O Holy Tree, forgive our rudeness." Adin said just as quickly and bowed with Ithnani.
"We apologise for our rudeness, we declare."
The other sisters followed Adin and Ithnani's lead, bowing stiffly.
"No need to be so formal. As I said, any friend of Satou's is a friend of mine, too. You may call me Aaze just like the other girls do."
"""Yes, Aaze."""
Again, the five youngest sisters immediately agreed to Aaze's request, and the eldest, Adin, scolded them, saying, "That's Lady Aaze!" Aaze said no such titles were necessary, but then her priestess, Lua, came in and called her "Lady Aaze," so all the other sisters, except Nana, began calling her "Lady Aaze" from that point on.
"Satou, candy!"
"Candy, pleez!"
"I want some, too!"
Fairies no bigger than dolls streaked in from the tree-house balcony, their butterfly and dragonfly wings flashing behind them.
"""Larvae!"""
One of the fairies was caught immediately.
"Nana! Candy first." The fairy tried to escape, but the capturing hand refused to let go.
"That is my younger sister, Huit, not me, I declare."
"Huh?"
"""LARVAE!"""
Unfortunately for them, sweetness gave way to shrill cries and frantic wings. Nana's sisters swarmed the fairies, reaching for the tiny bodies as they darted through the room. Like Nana, they clearly adored small creatures. Even Adin joined in, tracking the glittering wings with bright eyes as she chased them.
"Geh!"
"So many Nanas!"
"This is bad."
"Real bad!"
The fairies burst apart like startled sparks, wings buzzing as they shot toward every corner of the room. But once Nana and her sisters' larvae senses kicked in, escape was hopeless. Hands snatched the fairies from the air one by one, then tucked the squirming captives down the fronts of their tops. Lady Aaze looked alarmed by the sudden developments.
"Satou, help us."
"Help us, Aaze."
Satou and Aaze quickly stepped out of their own little world again and tried to help, but the sisters were out of control until…
"Adin, Ithnani, Tria, Vier, Fünf, Seis, Huit! Let go of the fairies. Master's orders."
"""Yes, Hero Kura."""
"Master's orders" cut through the chaos like a blade. The sisters froze mid-pursuit, and the fairies shot beyond their reach in a blur of flashing wings. All but one: he remained nestled contentedly between Nana's breasts.
"The fairies are citizens of Bolenan Forest, too. If you want them to like you, treat them like you would a small child, not a cute animal!" Satou added.
"""Yes, Master Satou."""
The sisters immediately softened their approach, lowering their hands and edging forward with careful, measured steps. The fairies, however, scattered at the slightest movement, flitting behind furniture and hovering high beyond their reach.
"""Hero Kura…"""
Their faces barely changed, but their voices sagged with disappointment, so I suggested they offer the fairies candy in my stead. The fairies remained wary, peeking out from their hiding places before darting in one at a time. Tiny hands snatched each sweet, wings flashed, and they streaked back to safety—only to circle and creep closer for more. Fairies forgot grudges quickly, though. By the following day, I imagined they would be fluttering around the sisters as if nothing had happened.
<0>
"You really shouldn't fall asleep when someone is talking to you."
"Mmm. Rude."
I surfaced from sleep with Mia and her mother looming over me, matching frowns carved across their faces as they tugged my cheeks in opposite directions. The room swam into focus around them. Ah—I'd dozed off again, right in the middle of discussing a training plan for Nana's sister. Exhaustion must have finally dragged me under.
"Teacher, sir!"
"Hey, it's been a minute, Pochi! You wanna go?!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Wait a minute, Poa. We're here to meet these girls today."
"Shiya's right. Sorry, Poa, but can you wait to spar with your pupil until after our introductions?"
"Oh fine, Hiya."
"Sorry, Pochi. We'll have our fun later."
"Roger that, sir!"
"So you're Nana's sisters, eh?"
Nearby, everyone else mingled with their elven teachers while introducing Nana's sisters to the elves who would train them.
"Are you all aiming to be shield users like Nana?"
"I am a shield user, but my younger sisters each have their own favoured weapon," Adin spoke for the group. "We'd be deeply appreciative if you could teach them corresponding techniques."
"Tria wants to be a cook," Tria added, getting a smile from Mr Hishirotoya as she hopped up and down.
"Then I'll introduce you to our chef, Nea, later. She's an expert in elf cooking—I'm sure you'll learn a lot from her."
"Thank you! Tria will do her best!" Tria smiled and nodded.
"Oh, I know. If you like cooking, want to try learning how to use bows and traps, too? If you can procure your own birds and beasts, it'll be a great help for cooking while you're camping out."
"Tria is very intrigued!"
Oblivious to Mr Hishirotoya's scheme, Tria cheerfully agreed to train in marksmanship and traps. Soon, the other sisters had paired up with their own teachers, and everyone headed off to train.
<0>
"Thank you for your visit, Hero Kura. May Parion's blessing be upon you."
I smiled and returned the greeting. After dropping off Nana's sisters, I began my rounds. Sara accompanied me on my first visit to the Tenion temple, where we shared tea and small talk with the pleasant head priestess. Thanks to Satou's potion, I regained enough energy to stay awake throughout the visit. I'll probably need more of those to survive my time in the capital.
I left Sara behind at the temple and headed to my next visit, expecting more of the same, but the moment I stepped into the Parion temple, things were so different; I was treated well at the Tenion temple, but as soon as I set foot in the Parion temple, I was taken straight to a room fancier than most nobles' homes and treated to high-quality tea and food.
"Thank you all for the warm greeting." I smiled and nodded.
There are so many people here. The head priest, three orcal priestesses, and several other high-ranking members of the temple. And they were all very beautiful women and handsome men.
"My, my, you're the demon lord slayer? You're so young and fragile-looking! I cannot believe such scrawny arms did battle with a demon lord."
The rude remark came from a Parion priestess about Sara's age, with darker hair and eyes. She looked delicate as a flower, but her behaviour was far from holy.
"Lady Lavinia, you're being rude," her attendant whispered.
"Am I? Was that rude?" The priestess blinked.
"Yes, you were," said a man in priests' robes of a different style.
He wore a turban-style head wrap and a great number of golden accessories. He was very handsome, just like everyone else in the room but… There is… no, he might be the best-looking person in the room. Wait... what am I saying…?
"I'm sorry, Cardinal Hozzunas." The priestess bowed.
"I'm not the one you should be apologising to," the cardinal nodded towards me.
"Of-of course," She bowed to me, then said. "I'm sorry if I caused you any offence, brave hero."
"It's fine," I quickly said.
Something is definitely wrong with that cardinal. Why does my heart race when he looks at me? But I push those thoughts aside as one of the princesses-in-training offers me a drink. It's probably just his ridiculously good looks. It doesn't feel like the time Arisa used psychic magic on me to give me resistance to it. I'll ask Satou to double-check just in case.
We ended up talking for a little while about nothing-sights in the capital and recent events, and the more time passed, the harder it was to ignore Cardinal Hozzunas. Something is really off with him. I shouldn't be feeling all this stuff whenever he looks at me, and it gets even worse when he hands me something.
"S-S-Satou…" While everyone discussed a demon attack in some distant town, I seized the chance to call him.
"What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself."
"C-check my status—and e-everyone else in this room."
"Give me a moment… Everyone around you seems fine, but something is blocking me from reading your status… There. You're under a charm effect."
"I-I see… C-Cardinal Hozzunas must be responsible. The effect g-gets stronger whenever he's close."
I quickly put on a ring that protects me from status effects such as charm, and my mind slowly becomes less foggy, and my heart calms down.
"Are you sure it's the cardinal? He doesn't have any skills that could cause that effect."
"N-no, b-but he's the m-most likely one."
"There is a young priestess with the charm skill, though. Her name is Lavinia."
"I-I-I'll k-keep an e-eye on h-her."
I was ready to bet it was the cardinal, but if Satou says otherwise, who am I to argue? After hashing things out, he slapped a tracking tag on Lavinia and agreed to keep tabs on her for the time being.
Once we hung up, I turned back to the room to make polite small talk. As the cardinal poured me a refill, I could've sworn a flicker of absolute confusion crossed his face—or maybe I was seeing things.
Still, the whole room was practically radiating unspoken words. People kept shooting furtive glances my way, and more than a few eyes lingered on Lavinia. Sure enough, after a subtle nudge from a nearby priest, she straightened up and finally made her move toward me.
"Oh!" she chirped, clapping her hands together with theatrical flair before locking her gaze dead onto mine. "Not only am I a front-running candidate for the next Holy Woman and a sworn priestess of Parion, but I've actually decided to grace the Demon Lord Slayer's party with my presence. You really should be thanking your lucky stars."
Behind her, the sycophants in her entourage immediately started buzzing. "Gosh!" "Such an absolute honour!"
"With divine perfection like me on your side—instead of that disgraced fraud who just got booted off the candidate list—you're practically guaranteed to snag the Hero title," she rambled on, practically glowing with unbearable smugness.
"I'm afraid I have to decline," I said. My grip tightened so fiercely that the fancy metal fork in my hand buckled under the pressure.
"Y-you're turning me down?!" Lavinia's whole body trembled as she sputtered in utter disbelief, as if the mere concept of rejection defied the laws of the universe. "B-but why?!"
"Because the person you just called 'tainted' has saved my life more times than I can count," I replied, staring her straight in the eye. "And when push comes to shove, she's someone I'd trust with my life."
Sure, I might've stretched the truth just a teensy bit to get Lavinia off my back. But hey, Sara's healing magic is seriously god-tier—I'd trust her with my life any day of the week! The tragic part? Everything Lavinia said about Sara getting booted from the running for the next head of the Tenion Temple was totally true. The proof came straight in a letter delivered all the way from the old capital by her grandfather, detailing her sudden disqualification.
For a second, the room plunged into an awkward, suffocating silence—which I conveniently used to discreetly hide the fork I'd just snapped in half under the table. Aside from Lavinia's low, feral growling and the sound of everyone holding their breath, you could hear a pin drop.
"Ahem." Finally, Cardinal Hozzunas cleared his throat. "Let's not let this turn of events sour such a fine gathering. I believe we should all try the bottle I brought with me."
<0>
I somehow managed to clear all the temples in a single day—and thankfully, none of them tried to dump a divine candidate on me this time.
The Zaicuon Temple was practically broadcasting my visit, making sure as many gossiping witnesses as possible knew I'd stopped by. Aside from that bit of theatre, though, it was surprisingly peaceful. We sat, we talked, we drank tea. Beneath their exhausted and desperate expressions, the Zaicuon priests didn't beg for my favour or ask for miracles. I suppose it takes a heavy toll when your resident god is effectively out of commission.
Still, a full day of racing a horse between shrines leaves your body aching in places you didn't know existed. At least tomorrow's schedule is mercifully sparse: just one massive, all-day social gauntlet. Rumour has it the host throws incredible parties, too. It might even be fun, assuming I didn't have to dread the fact that literally everyone is on the guest list.
Sara and Mia will handle themselves fine, but Pearl and Nana? That's a walking disaster waiting to happen. Nana has a bad habit of completely missing social cues around children, which means she'll accidentally cause an incident just by being herself.
Though, ironically, she isn't even the one I'm most worried about tomorrow.
"So, is your poor ass feeling any better yet?" a familiar, teasing voice asks, punctuating the question with a sharp smack to said anatomy.
"If you'd stop hitting it, I'm sure it would recover just fine," I groan, spinning around to glare at her. "Can you at least try to behave tomorrow?"
Viola flashes a dangerous, wicked smirk. "I can try."
"I wish I had any faith in those words," I mutter, rubbing my temples. "Just... please remember to wear the ring I gave you."
She glances down at her hand, turning the band over in the light. "Relax. After what happened to you, none of us is taking these off. Besides..." She looks up with a wink. "I think the fact that you were the one who slid it onto my finger is the real reason it's staying put."
I still don't understand why all of them insisted that I put the rings on their fingers myself, but if it keeps them happy, I suppose I shouldn't complain.
"So," Viola purrs, leaning in close, "is this noble hosting tomorrow's circus some kind of bigshot?"
"It's Countess Litton," I sigh. "Politically? Not much power to speak of. But socially? She practically commands the capital's entire elite. Which, unfortunately, makes her ten times more dangerous."
Never underestimate how much damage rumours can do to you.
"Sounds fun."
I have a bad feeling about tomorrow. But at least Satou will be there to help, as he is escorting Karina. Assuming he isn't distracted by Karina's massively oversized, unfair, unrealistic… no, I'm sure Satou won't get so distracted by those things that he fails to see someone he knows is in trouble.
<0>
"Welcome, Lady Kura!" Lady Ema Litton—the count's wife and our hostess for the evening—beamed as we stepped into the venue. "And Lady Sara, it's an absolute delight to see you again."
"The pleasure is entirely mine," Sara replied, flashing a picture-perfect aristocratic smile. "It's been far too long since I've had the privilege of attending one of your wonderful garden parties."
Without missing a beat, Ema leaned in. "So, have you reconsidered my offer?"
Sara didn't even flinch. "I'm afraid my devotion to Goddess Tenion remains absolute. Especially now that I have a certain 'hero' to guide."
Ema let out a light, knowing sigh. "Well, my door is always open if you change your mind. Heaven knows that idiot son of mine desperately needs someone like you to keep him on a leash."
With a final polite exchange, we parted ways with the hostess. As soon as we were out of earshot, I couldn't help but tug on Sara's sleeve. Just what was that all about? To make a long story short? Apparently, Lady Ema had been trying to rope Sara into a forced marriage with one of her hopelessly rebellious sons, secretly hoping the holy maiden could double as his personal tamer.
And with that mystery solved, I left our group's gifts for Count Litton and his wife with a butler waiting by the entrance and led the way toward the garden party.
"Why, I don't believe we've been acquainted, miss hero."
Once we entered the garden area, a merchant approached us. For some reason, his face was hidden under a hood and veil.
"Hmph. Greeting ahead of us? The Sahbe Company stoops so low."
"Sheh-eh-eh, unlike the Ghookuts Company of the royal capital, we lowly demi-humans live and die by networking."
The rude, wealthier merchant snorted unpleasantly before introducing himself and his followers. The rest of the merchants gave me appraising glances as well, then quickly introduced themselves. Most didn't say more than that, but a few of the craftier ones did propose business ideas I had to turn down with a smile. I had already set up a system with the manager of the Echigoya Company for business partnerships.
"Apologies. My colleagues are terribly impolite. I am Homimudory of the weaselfolk Sahbe clan, president of the Sahbe Company." The hooded merchant said once the group thinned out.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Kura, Vicecount and vassal of Seiryuu County." I replied in kind to the man's bow.
"Ah, yes, your reputation has already spread through the city."
"I'm sure most of those stories are exaggerated."
Seriously, people are blowing me out of proportion. If you believe them, then you would think I was some giant who could tear demons apart with my bare hands.
"Our Sahbe Company imports rare products from the Weaselman Empire, so please do come and visit us sometime. Since marionette cores were considered contraband until recently, we are full up on reservations for them. Still, we do have many rare items from the Illusion Labyrinth of Dejima Island."
After some small talk, Homimudory started promoting his business.
"Aside from the scrolls we submitted through the Celivera explorers' guild the other day, we've also acquired a few new scrolls recently. I hear you have been looking over the ones sold to the esteemed Pendragon. Perhaps you would care to take a look before I show him."
"I'll keep that in mind," I smiled as someone from a larger company pushed his way into the conversation.
And so, for some time, I talked with one merchant, then another, as my friends dissipated throughout the venue and the conversation lost its interest. By the time I got away, only Sara and Viola remained.
"So, where did the others wander off to?" I asked once we entered the main part of the garden.
"Nana said she was hungry and Pearl went to keep an eye on her," Sara replied before stopping to think. "I don't know where Mia went. She just disappeared without a word."
We walked through the group as we talked, wondering where Mia was, greeting nobles as we went. Unsurprisingly, we didn't spot her. With how small she is, she could easily disappear into the crowd. But it turned out that Mia isn't the one I needed to worry about.
"So you vulgar country bumpkins eat with your hands?" I heard someone say with a chuckle.
And when I looked, I saw Satou and Karina trying to hide behind him, and a group of kids in fancy suits and dresses giggling along with their leader.
"They don't have any knives and forks out in the country." The noble boy leading the group continued.
"No waaay, really?"
"Surely they can't be that uncultured."
"Hey, we don't know that."
And his lackies had plenty of comments to laugh about. But Satou should be able to handle some bullies, so I turn my attention to the real problem as someone else moves towards the group.
"What's wrong? You scared 'cause we're so right?"
"No, not at all," Satou replied, sounding completely unfazed.
He must have done something to scare them, as a few of them backed away, blocking my path.
"Um, wait a sec…"
"This guy's trouble."
The rude young nobles all looked frightened.
"W-we'll let you off easy this one time."
The lead noble tried to run, but Satou stopped him. If only he hadn't, what followed could have been avoided.
"Since you were so kind as to point out my blunder, perhaps you could specify exactly what I did that was so vulgar?" Satou asked, closing the gap between them in the blink of an eye.
"G-get away!"
The rude noble swung his cane in a panic and would have hit Satou's head if…
"Volice is prohibited, I declare."
Suppose Nana hadn't blocked him with a baguette. I tried to stop her so I wouldn't have to get involved in something so minor that Satou could definitely have handled himself, but thanks to Nana, I have no choice but to, as the boy's cane broke and he fell on his rear. I don't know whether to praise Nana for being able to use 'Spellblade' on a piece of bread or punish her for doing it on a middle school-aged kid. I'll decide later.
"Would you mind leaving us for a moment?" I asked the nobles as their leader got up, causing them to make a quick exit. With them gone, I turned to Satou. "Can't you eat a snack without getting into trouble somehow? You're starting to look like you have luck as bad as mine."
"It can't be that bad," Satou replied with a smile.
But it turned out the noble and his friends didn't run too far. I could see them peeking from behind a nearby table.
"Does that bumkin know the hero?"
"I heard she's bumkin too, so it's possible."
"My father wants my older brother to marry her, so let's leave him alone."
I'll ignore that last one. I really don't want to think about that mountain of letters waiting for me on my desk. As I was trying to purge that thought, another person joined our group. No, three people joined us.
"P-Princess Menea!" I heard one of the rude nobles call out as the pink-haired woman stepped next to us.
"Sir Satou, Madam Hero," Princess Menea smiled as she ignored the nobles' outburst. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Oh, Lady Karina!" Stepping around Satou, the princess gave Karina a big hug. "I didn't see you there. How could someone so big disappear like that? But it is good to see you again, Lady Karina."
"The pleasure is all mine, Princess Menea."
"How many times must I tell you to simply call me Menea?"
"You know these bumpkins, Princess?" The noble kids' ringleader comes towards us again.
"T-they're friends of the princess?"
"That dull-looking guy too?"
"Word of the Pendragon party's accomplishments has reached the royal capital, you know," Menea said loud enough for everyone to hear over the noble kids' shocked murmuring. "I hear you defeated a floormaster and became mithril explorers, did you not?"
"A mithril explorer?"
"P-Pendragon…like 'the Untouchable'?"
"I heard he faced off with a demon."
I could feel eyes turning our way from all over the garden, but at least for once I am not the centre of everyone's attention.
"Although…" Once she had everyone talking, Princess Menea continued. "Perhaps that was an easy feat for the knight who joined forces with a pair of heroes and drove off the dragon that was tormenting Lumork Kingdom."
Everyone's eyes were on the princess while they stole glances at Satou after she said that.
"He drove off a dragon?"
"Wait, he knows more than one hero?"
"Wow, I didn't know you were friends with a princess, Satou."
And now Lady Helmina made an appearance. She had ditched her armour for an elegant white-and-pale-blue dress, and I'm sure Satou really appreciates the difference when she puts him in a headlock again. But it didn't last long, and I'm sure that was only to Satou's disappointment as he pulled his head away from Helmina's cushions.
"L-Lady Helmina!"
"He knows a member of the Shiga Eight, too?!"
"And they seem so friendly!"
Lady Helmina smiled upon noticing the rude noble kids.
"If we're talking about Satou's achievements, how about the time he and I fought some lesser and intermediate demons together?"
"An intermediate demon?"
"Like the one that nearly destroyed Lessau County's capital?"
"I'm amazed they survived."
"It was impressive, all right," Lady Helmina said proudly. "He went and challenged that intermediate demon with nothing but a single sword, not even wearing armour."
She pulled Satou close, causing Karina and Menea to glare at him. Not that Satou seems to mind them with what his head is resting on.
"Lady Helmina, is that true?" the rude noble asked.
"Hmm, who're you again? But yes, it's true. If you're going to pick a fight with Satou, you better have an army or two at the ready."
"A-an army?!"
"That's right. I'm telling you this for your own good: Unless you have seasoned warriors at your disposal who can at least take on an intermediate demon, you'd better not make an enemy of Satou." She smiled unpleasantly and stuck a finger in his face. "Not to mention, Satou doesn't care about wealth or social status. If he wanted to destroy you, he'd squash you like a bug, without caring what it would do to his reputation. Also, the woman who defended him happens to be part of a hero's party, so messing with her will be just as bad for you."
"Th-that's ridiculous…"
"Perhaps, but it's true. He even went head-to-head with Sir Gouen in a bout with real swords and ended it in a draw."
"Sir Gouen of the Shiga Eight Swordsmen…?" The rude noble looked at Satou with tears in his eyes. "I—I'm sorry, Sir Pindragon."
I nearly chuckled at Satou's new name.
"P-please let me apolo—"
"There's no need to apologise to me." The rude noble stared desperately at Satou. He stepped aside to reveal Lady Karina, who was hiding behind him. "If you're going to apologise to anyone, apologise to her."
"E-erm… I'm sorry for upsetting you, miss. I, Moushil Bonam, offer my sincerest apologies."
The name "Bonam" sounded familiar… Oh, right. It belonged to acting Viceroy Sokell, who fell from grace after I uncovered his demonic-potion operation in Labyrinth City. Hopefully, this guy wasn't too close to him.
"I—I accept your apowogy."
"Th-thank you for your kindness."
With that reluctant apology, the rude noble and his friends hurried away. Overwhelmed by everyone watching her, Lady Karina had fumbled her last word, but he didn't seem to notice, and the remaining nobles regarded her favourably. A few young ladies looked wary of Satou after Lady Helmina's warnings, but I hoped he'd see it as a small price to pay to avoid Arisa's scolding later.
"Princess Menea, would you tell me more about Satou's exploits in the old capital?"
"Anything you wish, Ms Helmina. Come, join us, Lady Karina. I'd like to hear what Sir Satou has been up to in Labyrinth City."
Princess Menea and Lady Helmina led Lady Karina to a hedge-enclosed arbour to chat. She glanced back at us like a calf being led to slaughter, but I thought spending time with girls her own age would do her good. Surely the sociable Princess Menea would help her along. Pearl and Menea's knight, who seemed to be enjoying whatever they were talking about, gave me a quick nod as they followed them.
"So is this the only trouble you managed to get into tonight?" I asked Satou as we watched the group disappear.
"I'm more surprised it isn't you," He replied, and I couldn't deny it.
For some reason, trouble always seems to find me.
"Hero Kura. This way I insist." Nana quickly grabbed my arm as that thought crossed my mind. "There is some cute food over here."
<0>
"Everyone, the performance is starting soon."
An announcement saved me. Nana kept insisting I try every piece of food she found cute on the table, barely giving me time to chew one thing before trying to hand-feed me something else. It got worse when Sara and Viola joined in on feeding me. Everyone really seemed to be enjoying my suffering as they kept the dishes coming until that announcement gave me an excuse to escape that feeding hell.
"Looks like the Laxton Orchestra is performing." Someone said as the crowd began to move.
"Wow, normally it takes at least two months to get tickets to their concerts, but they hired them for a party…"
"No wonder garden parties at the house of Count Litton are so famous."
"There's going to be a solo performance by a famed musician later today, too."
"That certainly sounds exciting."
We followed the crowd to a stage built in the garden, but the seats were already full, so we stood in the back to listen to the performance.
Their performance was extraordinary. Even outdoors, without a concert hall's acoustics, they rivalled the orchestra that had accompanied Cyriltoa the Songstress in the old capital. At last, the piece reached its solo—or rather, it was supposed to…
"Mia…?" I heard Sara mutter.
She wasn't wrong. Mia walked onto the stage with a gentleman, and together they played a song so beautiful no one in the audience made a sound throughout the performance. When it was over, some people were even crying. It wasn't a sad song, but it was just so beautiful; I guess they couldn't help it. It took a moment for people to start clapping, but when they did, there was thunderous applause as the concert came to a close.
"Wow…" Viola was the first of us to speak.
"Mia was great, but that man might be just as good," Sara commented, wiping a tear from her eye. "Together they were so beautiful."
"No, Mia is cuter, so she is better, I declare," Nana replied.
"They were both great." I nodded.
I wonder who that man is? It sounded like he and Mia played together for years, but I doubt that was the case. But just as I started walking towards the stage, someone tried to push past me only to fall themselves when I didn't move.
"Are you okay?" I asked, reaching out a hand, but it was slapped away.
"Watch where you are going." It was the rude noble boy from before. He let out a huff and picked himself up before turning pale. "N-no, it was my fault… I'm sorry… I-I w-will be going now…" He looked over my shoulder. "I-I said I was sorry, miss… please let me go…"
"Did I do something?" I muttered and heard a sigh behind me.
"Does she really have no idea why?" Viola asks.
"Probably not, I believe," Nana answered.
"She can be clueless about things," Sara added.
"Hard to believe you can be that scary," Viola said.
I turned around, seeking answers, but I was met only by three smiling faces. And as I opened my mouth, I felt someone wrap around my waist, and when I looked down, I saw Mia clinging to my side.
"Kura." She greeted.
"Hey, Mia," I smiled. "That was a beautiful song."
"Mmm. Fun."
Just as I started patting her head, the peace was shattered.
"Duel me, Sir Pendragon!"
That rude noble recovered enough from whatever had come over him to pronounce Satou's name correctly this time.
"Duel you…?"
"I'll show you the skills of a musician who once studied under the famed Kestra."
He seemed very confident of his musical talent. Lady Helmina's words must have convinced him that he was no match for Satou in a fight, so he chose to challenge him to a musical face-off instead.
"Hmm? When did you ever study under me?"
The man that Mia performed with appeared behind the boy.
"Sir Kestra! Please, right this way!"
The rude noble beckoned the gentleman over and looked at Satou triumphantly.
"Oh? You're the boy I met at the fountain the other day."
The musician was looking right at him.
"Whoa, the famous Kestra talked to him!"
"Who is that black-haired boy?"
The other nobles all started whispering about me.
"I greatly enjoyed our little session that day. It was a splendid performance."
I blink. I don't remember Satou mentioning performing, but maybe it has something to do with Pochi and Tama doing what Arisa described as an adorable dance.
"Thank you…"
Satou looked like he wanted to say more, but the musician kept talking.
"Are those little ladies not here with you today?"
"No, she's a bit too small for that."
"I see. Please, come by and visit at the concert hall sometime."
The gentleman took out a ticket from his breast pocket, wrote something on the back, and handed it to Satou.
"That's a ticket to see the Laxton Orchestra!"
"And it's for the special VIP seats, too."
"Even high-ranking nobles have a hard time getting their hands on those…"
"If you show them this, they'll let you come backstage."
"Thank you very much. I'll be sure to bring her for a visit." The gentleman nodded at Satou.
"Master Kestra! What sort of relationship do you have with Pendragon?!" The rude noble kid spoke up.
"Ah, you're Count Bonam's son… Young man. What sort of relationship?" He glanced at Satou. "I happened to run into him while out on a stroll. We were able to have a lovely little performance."
"H-he's good enough that even Master acknowledges him…?"
"I beg your pardon, young man. But I must ask that you please stop calling me 'Master.' That title is reserved for my pupils." "B-but you taught music at our home—"
"At Count Bonam's invitation, I did come to the main house at the time and lend an ear and a few words of advice to your performance, but I've paid such visits to many a home." The gentleman's tone coldened as he spoke, making the rude noble back up a step, then two. "Now then, I have another performance today, so I shall go give my regards to Lady Ema and be on my way."
With a short glance at the trembling nobleman, the gentleman gave a smile, then turned to Mia with a nod and another smile. The crowd watched him leave before glancing between Satou and the rude noble kid.
"So, about that musical duel…" Satou finally said.
"Don't get too full of yourself, Pendragon!"
I'm pretty sure he didn't mean to, but I'm sure Satou just made things worse for himself.
<0>
"So you're the hero I've been hearing so much about, hmm?"
After the rude noble ran off, I was summoned by the party's host. Lady Ema Litton, the count's wife. She was sitting at a table in the centre of the spacious garden, surrounded by noblewomen in equally extravagant dresses. They were all the wives of upper-class nobles like Lady Litton.
Lady Litton was a refined, feminine beauty with lovely youthful features that belied her being around forty years old. Lady Litton also had a great deal of influence in the royal capital's social sphere, so I had best be careful to stay on her good side. Still seated, she gave me a long, appraising stare, then reached out one white-gloved hand.
"Reythel said she owes you a great debt and her city might have fallen if it wasn't for you."
Reythel was the first name of the Labyrinth City viceroy's wife. She had warned me that Lady Litton wielded considerable influence in the royal capital's social circles, so I needed to stay on her good side. So I smiled and greeted her in turn. Then I kissed her outstretched hand lightly enough that I barely grazed the white glove.
From that point onwards, I couldn't get away from the noble ladies, as they first asked for stories of my battles but soon turned the topic to my engagement. Viola had too much fun with that conversation. I swear my face may be permanently red after everything she said.
<0>
"There you are, bumpkin noble! Let's settle this!"
After escaping the torment of the romance talk, I stumbled upon Satou's latest duel with the rude noble boy. The boy stood before Satou with a smug expression, his retinue arrayed behind him. Mithril rapiers, gaudily decorated Magic Swords, and other weapons hung at their hips. One of them was even a Holy Knight carrying a yellow spear… I think his name was Jagou.
"P-Pendragon?"
Yes, that's definitely Jagou. I can remember that panicked look anywhere after Liza swiftly defeated him at the Holy Knights Barracks.
"Come on, Sir Jagou! Show this upstart country bumpkin the true strength of the royal capital's proud Holy Knights!"
"R-right…"
While the rude noble looked as if he had already won, Sir Jagou looked as if he were trying not to shake.
"Sir Jagou here is a top candidate for the Shiga Eight Swordsmen! He's on a par with the mighty warriors who can even defeat intermediate demons!" The rude noble kid smirked as he declared. "Now, let us duel! Sir Jagou will be my proxy! Since it's a garden party, we'll say whoever gets the first hit wins!"
While Satou probably has this handled, and even if it comes to a fight, I'm sure he will win or deliberately lose in a way that avoids embarrassment.
"And who, pray tell, gave you permission to have a duel at my party? I won't allow such conduct in my garden." Being led by a maid, Lady Litton arrived.
"M-Mrs. Litton, Mrs Raffol… W-we were just trying to defend our honour, you see…" The rude noble kid panicked as he tried to look for an excuse.
That kid really can't catch a break, with everyone keeping to Satou's side.
"What are you dragging me into, Sir Dotoumuru? I came here today to see a friend, you know."
"Come on, don't be like that. This battle needs a witness, but since Sir Jagou is the stand-in, I'm sure it won't take long."
But as I watched the kid struggle to find the words to excuse his actions, I heard someone I knew in the crowd.
"O-over here!" "There you are, Moushil! Here, I brought a great witness for ya."
Sure enough, it was someone I knew. They were dragged towards Satou with a small group of women trailing right behind him.
"Rayleigh, you're involved in this nonsense, too?"
"Why, if it isn't Lady Ema and Lady Rayuna. You're both as beautiful as ever. I really just came to see a friend of mine, so hopefully this nonsense won't take long— Sir Pendragon! There you are!"
Marquis Ashinen's second son, Rayleigh, greeted Lady Litton warmly, then spotted Satou and smiled.
"Y-you know him, Sir Rayleigh?"
"Sure do. He and that lady hero saved my life, owns the Dragonpen Trading Company that I run, and is one of my very best friends."
At that, the rude noble dropped to his knees. He had likely counted on the popular ladies' man, Rayleigh, to support him, even if it angered Lady Litton. Instead, his noble entourage and Sir Jagou began edging away.
Before she left, Lady Litton said to the rude noble, "Know that if you lay a hand on Satou, you make an enemy of the house of Duke Litton."
"I came as soon as I heard you were in the royal city," Rayleigh said as people started to wander away.
"I'm honoured. Your sea voyage must have been quick this time, then."
After the rude noble finally left, the rest of the garden party passed without further incident. Viola made a few more embarrassing remarks, and an insistent nobleman's son who wanted to become my second husband suddenly turned pale and fainted, but nothing serious happened. It ended up being a rather peaceful and enjoyable time until I returned to the castle, where I found a messenger waiting for me.
"Duke Vistall would like you to visit his mansion tomorrow at noon to receive a reward for your actions on the airship. Please come alone."
The guy who delivered the message ran off without waiting for a reply, just handing me a badge and telling me I would need it to enter the mansion.